The influence of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy on the presence of H. pylori antigens in dental plaque and saliva

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of H. pylori antigens in the oral cavity (dental plaque and saliva) of patients undergoing systemic eradication therapy. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in 49 subjects with H. pylori stomach infection. H. pylori antigens in dental plaque and saliva were evaluated with immunological method. Results: In subjects with initial H. pylori oral infection, the presence of H. pylori antigens in the oral cavity 6 weeks after successful or unsuccessful H. pylori eradication therapy in the stomach was 47.0% and 50.0%, respectively. In subjects without initial oral infection with H. pylori, the presence of H. pylori antigens in the oral cavity 6 weeks after successful and unsuccessful eradication therapy in the stomach was 30.0% and 20.0%, respectively. Conclusions: The immunological method detecting H. pylori antigens in the dental plaque and saliva cannot be recommended to evaluate the efficacy of H. pylori eradication in the oral cavity.